Biography, Corwin Winger:

Beginning life in rural Indiana, the visual arts saturated most of my boyhood. Taking Grand Champions, Best of Show, and People’s Choice Awards at local fine arts competitions made a lasting impression on my heart and mind. Such encouragement affirmed the decision to pursue the arts.

Though the creative path began long before 1986, it was at this time I began developing creative skills on a professional level through the bachelor of fine arts program at the Kansas City Art Institute, majoring in illustration and design.

In 1989 an internship at Hallmark Cards Greeting Card Design began my professional career just prior to graduation in 1990. Upon graduation I pursued freelance illustration work in Kansas City, and then in Chicago. It wasn’t long before I was back in Kansas City however, and working as a sportswear illustrator for a silkscreen printing company, soon to be bought out by Josten’s, and later by Fruit of The Loom.

Corporate developments from this buyout soon evolved to their relocation, and the beginning of my ten year teaching career as a visual arts instructor for Jr. and Sr. High students in Kansas City, Missouri. It was during this period I began interacting with another KCAI alumni, colleague and friend, regarding murals and faux finishes.

In 2002 I launched into a part-time business of painting murals and faux finishes while I continued to instruct. I began informal training with internationally known decorative painters as Pierre Finkelstein, Ina Marx, among others, and began to learn from their expertise, as well as learning their finishes. As a skilled illustrator, designer, and teacher, trained and fluent in color theory, elements and principles of strong design, and experienced in various painting media, making the transition to a new application of visual artistry (decorative painting) was a natural step. However, I continued to train and never to plateau.

2006 was the year I both transitioned to Indiana from Kansas City, and into full-time decorative painting. I received my first “official” Certificate of Graduation from the Martin Alan Hirsch Decorative Finishes Studio in the spring of 2008. However, I was already graced to have painted in grand projects for fine local businesses, large area churches for both mural and faux finishing work, and numerous residential projects. Additional formal training continued.

My business name was changed in 2010 from Winger Design to The Painted Finish & Image LLC to better reflect my specialty of decorative painting. I continued to train with Faux Effects International through the Decorative Finishes Studio, as well as the finishes of Melanie Royals of Royal Designs Studio. I “get to paint,” and it is a joy to serve others through the enhancement of their spaces, as well as the joy of interacting with people. I sincerely believe that this work is not solely about the commodity of decorative painting, but also the privilege of interacting with and serving others. The motto that guided my business was “Caring and Creating With Excellence!” Driven to never let either of those suffer, I diligently worked to identify and sharpen ways to accomplish both.

What others have said about me:

“I had the pleasure of collaborating with Corwin on a painted finish design for my powder bath this year.  The results are extraordinarily beautiful and the process involved in getting there was delightful.  Corwin took the time to meet with me and to discuss the space and brought a multitude of options on large size canvases.  He was as concerned as I was that we select a finish that fit into my vision and the overall design of our home.  We not only discussed the design, but he gave me lots of options on the color palettes that could be used.

Having Corwin in our home to complete the work was so easy.  He arrived and left each day with little fanfare and was very diligent about cleaning up at the end of the day.  He gave me a proposed time schedule at the beginning of the job and updated me daily on his progress.  He was spot-on with timing!

The finished space is truly a work of art by a very talented artist.  The attention to detail and the care that he showed in doing the work and caring for our home was amazing and we so feel so fortunate to have his work in our home.  We look forward to having him transform another space in our home in the near future!” Dana C, Carmel, Indiana

“Thank you for taking the time to work with us on creating something beautiful for our home. We value your creativity, and appreciate your desire to serve God and others with your artistic expression.” “..[this finish] is exactly what we were wanting.” L.S. Kokomo, Indiana

“Dear Corwin, the door (cherry wood grained metal door) is truly extraordinary and ‘spot on’ with the actual cherry-veneered doors installed throughout the condo. Everyone has been totally amazed at your painting prowess, your high level of job perfection and your attention to detail. I am so glad that I was able to get you involved with this project. Though the door presented a myriad of challenges you ultimately rose above them and delivered something of rare quality. Thank you again for being such an important part of the H design “team”. I look forward to working with you again on future projects.” Chip Kalleen, ASID, Kalleen & Company.” Chip, referring to the door in the Indianapolis publication of Sophisticated Living Jul-Aug (pg 70-81), “Mother nature would be envious of its beauty.” C.K. Indianapolis, Indiana

“Jean and I talked at length last night about you, your work, and our blessing in having you in our lives, in our home, and in our newly painted interior. We are incredibly grateful for you!” B.C. Kokomo, Indiana

“I highly recommend Corwin and his work. My wife and I are very pleased with the mural he painted for our dining room. The mural surpassed all our expectations. We have had many positive comments from family and friends. I would without a doubt commission him for any future projects that we might consider.” B.G. Kansas City, Missouri

“The mural is fantastic and is the topic of conversation with each guest that visits our home. The [additional] faux finish is gorgeous and well worth it. Corwin is able to make something look so real you can’t believe it is painted. His whole manner of working is clean, neat, and meticulous. Corwin is a very patient and considerate person to work with. We highly recommend him for any mural and decorative painting. He is exceptionally creative and highly skilled. When the opportunity presents itself we will hire him again.” T.J. Kansas City, Missouri

“Corwin, I want to thank you for being so quiet and respectful in our home. You were a delight to have in our home. We are happy with the results. It has been a pleasure to work with you.” J.U. Carmel, Indiana

Further detail regarding my approach to artistry, business, and relationship with people are available at http://www.paintedfinishandimage.com/index.html